The Nation Newspaper

Category: Ondo 2020

  • APC petitions IGP, CP as policemen besiege community

    APC petitions IGP, CP as policemen besiege community

    From Bisi Olaniyi, Benin

     

    Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Muhammed Adamu and Police Commissioner (CP) Babatunde Kokumo over the invasion by 50 policemen of Okpella in Etsako East Local Government.

    The invasion was allegedly done on the orders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    APC alleged that the policemen were harboured at the home of a politician.

    The party, yesterday in Benin, through the Chairman of its Media Campaign Council, Prince John Mayaki, noted that the development had caused apprehension at Okpella, with residents expressing worry about the planned intimidation, ahead of the September 19 governorship election.

    It said: “Residents of adjoining communities have lamented the police officers’ night movements, characterised by indiscriminate shootings, shouts of obscenities and other bizarre acts of intimidation, which they claimed are aimed at causing fear ahead of the election.

    “It is important to note that Okpella has recorded defection of supporters from the PDP to the APC in the past few weeks, as residents declare their intention to back Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, the governorship candidate of the APC, because of the failure of the Governor Godwin Obaseki administration to fulfil its promises.

    Read Also: Two policemen arrested over killer suspect’s escape 

     

    “Prominent among former members of the PDP, who are supporting Pastor Ize-Iyamu, is Prince Kassim Afegbua, a chieftain of the PDP and a popular political figure at Okpella.

    “The dispatch of the police officers to Okpella has been interpreted as a desperate tactic by the government to scare voters.”

    APC said its petitions to the IGP and CP would enable them probe the dispatch of the policemen to Okpella.

    The party said: “It amounts to violation of the objective stance expected of security agencies, including officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), to embark on a secret mission to an area where the incumbent governor is not popular.

    “We doubt that the police commissioner approved the disturbing operation of policemen at Okpella, which bodes ill for the peaceful conduct of the election in the community.”

    Governor Obaseki’s Special Adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, was contacted on the phone, but he did not react at press time.

  • Ibrahim: more defectors for APC

    Ibrahim: more defectors for APC

    From Osagie Otabor, Akure

     

    Business mogul Jimoh Ibrahim has told the All Progressives Congress (APC) to open its doors to receive more defectors.

    He said Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu had steered the ship of the state from financial strangulation.

    Speaking yesterday at his country home in Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government, when he received the State Working Committee of the APC led by the Chairman, Ade Adetimehin, Ibrahim said the people were happy with the giant strides of the APC government.

    He said he would soon respond to request by Adetimehin that he (Ibrahim) should join the APC.

    Ibrahim said the secret of the success of Akeredolu was that the governor had more of strength and less of weakness.

    Read Also: ZLP, ADP members defect to APC

     

    Said he: “While I promise to sleep over your request, let me advise you to open your doors for thousands of defectors that are set to join the APC. They are joining from the Peoples Democratic Party and other parties.

    “I will be supportive of the re-election bid of Akeredolu. The governor will win the governorship election with a wide margin.

    “I wonder how the governor was able to move the state forward in less than four years, despite the huge debts he inherited from the previous administration.

    “I thank him, on behalf of the state, for not putting Ondo in a financial mess. Again, I am not surprised; here is a man who led the Nigerian Bar Association without a blemish.”

    Adetimehin urged Ibrahim to join the APC “so that we can join forces to win and retain Ondo State for more developmental projects.”

  • ZLP, ADP members defect to APC

    ZLP, ADP members defect to APC

    From Osagie Otabor, Akure

     

    More members of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) and African Democratic Party (ADP) have defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State.

    The former ZLP and ADP members joined the APC in Ondo West Local Government.

    Among those who defected were Alhaji Basiru Oluwole, a former House of Assembly candidate of ZLP,  Ademulegun Adeala, Adesemoye Segun, a former ADC state publicity secretary, legislative aide to the member representing Ondo East/West Federal Constituency, Alaba Oladele, councillorship candidate of ADC in Ward 5 Ondo West, Mrs. Tessy Ibijoke Ajayi, among others.

    Read Also: Edo 2020: Concerns in Obaseki’s camp over Assembly, defections

     

    Ondo APC Chairman Ade Adetimehin, who received the defectors, said Ondo might soon become a one party state following the number of prominent politicians defecting from other parties to the APC.

    He said the recent defection of bigwigs of other parties to the APC was a measure of the development occurring in every nook and cranny of the state.

    Adetimehin described the defectors as accomplished politicians, who would add value to the party.

    He said the defectors and their supporters would be given the rights and privileges of old members.

    The defectors said they joined the APC to move Ondo State to greater heights.

  • Chamber of Commerce endorses Ize-Iyamu

    Chamber of Commerce endorses Ize-Iyamu

    Our Reporter

     

    The Benin Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture has endorsed the candidature of Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The President, Mrs. Helen Atekha-Odemwingie, who led a team of executive members that received the candidate at a forum in Benin City, said they have scrutinised his manifesto and are confident that his policies and programmes will solve the challenges confronting industrial and economic growth.

    She stressed the importance of reviving the industrial sector to provide jobs and promote economic growth, and urged residents to elect Pastor Ize-Iyamu because his plans to boost commerce, agriculture and industrialisation are sound and practical.

    Read Also: APC petitions IGP, CP as policemen besiege community

     

    Ize-Iyamu, who thanked the chamber for its endorsement, expressed his disappointment with the Governor Godwin Obaseki administration for its neglect of the industrial sector and its poor management of important factors meant to encourage investments and drive economic growth.

    He assured the members of his commitment to rebuild infrastructure and strengthen security to attract investments, support women operating local and small scale businesses to boost the economy and eradicate poverty.

    The APC candidate called for continuous support and partnership and presented copies of his SIMPLE agenda manifesto, saying the document represents a binding agreement between him and the people if elected as the next governor.

     

  • Ondo 2020: 372,888 PVCs not collected, says REC

    Ondo 2020: 372,888 PVCs not collected, says REC

    Osagie Otabor, Akure

    Out of the 1,822, 346 registered voters in Ondo State, only 1,478,460 voters are expected to participate in the October 10, governorship election.

    This is because 372,888 Permanent Voters’ Cards were yet to be collected.

    Ondo State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Rufus Akeju, who stated this in Akure, said the owners of the PVCs refused to collect despite several appeals and awareness for them to collect them.

    READ ALSO: Ondo LG poll: SDP chairmanship candidate hospitalised after attack

    Dr. Akeju said only those with PVCs would be allowed to vote.

    He said all COVID-19 protocols would be followed during the conduct of the elections.

  • Monarch seeks peaceful campaigns

    Monarch seeks peaceful campaigns

    Agency Reporter

    The Onogie of Ewohimi in Esan South East Local Government, Peter Ojiefo, has sought peaceful campaigns.

    He spoke on Tuesday in his palace at Ewohimi when the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) campaigned at the community.

    Addressing the campaign team led by the governorship candidate, Governor Godwin Obaseki, the monarch said it was imperative that the election be devoid of violence, as the state was known for peace.

    “I also know that you are a hardworking and very peaceful person.

    Read Also: Ize-Iyamu promises more roles for monarchs

    “So please continue to ensure that peace continues to prevail in the state throughout the electioneering as well as during the elections,” the monarch said.

    Obaseki, who is seeking re-election, assured the monarch that he would use apparatus within his disposal to ensure a peaceful governorship election.

    He noted that development could only thrive in a peaceful environment.

    “That is why I decided to go to the people to sell our programmes and that is why we are here.

    “I believe the election will be based on our ability to convince the populace of what we have done and what we can do,” he said.

    Obaseki hailed the monarch and the traditional council for their support and prayers for his administration over the years.

  • Ondo 2020: Teachers endorse governor for re-election

    Ondo 2020: Teachers endorse governor for re-election

    Agency Reporter

    Teachers in Ondo State, under the auspices of the National Network of Teachers for Good Governance and Quality Education, have endorsed Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu for a second term.

    They spoke on Tuesday in Akure during a visit to Chief Alex Ajipe, the convener of Ibi Gíga Ambassadors, a group working for Akeredolu’s re-election.

    The group Chairman, Mr. Fadeni Tolulope, said Akeredolu’s achievements in the last three years surpassed those of his predecessors that spent eight years in office.

    He said the governor upgraded infrastructure in schools, attended to teachers’ welfare and embarked on training and re-training of teachers.

    Read Also: Akeredolu enjoys Tinubu, party’s endorsement – Sanwo-Olu

    “We want to thank the governor for the achievement recorded so far in the education sector.

    “The payment of our salaries and renovation of public schools are part of this government’s achievements. That was why we endorsed him for another term. We believe he can do more,” Fadeni said.

    He hailed Akeredolu’s leadership style and urged their members to work for his re-election.

    Ajipe appreciated the teachers’ support and assured them of Akeredolu’s service to humanity.

    “If Akeredolu is re-elected, it will be another season of reaping the dividends of democracy,” he said.

    Ajipe advised the people to make love and unity their watchword before, during and after the October 10 governorship election.

  • Man arraigned for destroying Akeredolu’s campaign vehicle

    Man arraigned for destroying Akeredolu’s campaign vehicle

    By Osagie Otabor, Akure

    The police in Akure have arraigned Mr. Jimoh Jubril at an Akure Magistrates’ Court for allegedly destroying Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu’s campaign vehicle and firing shots at five persons.

    The incident reportedly occurred at Owo in Owo Local Government.

    Owo is the hometown of Governor Akeredolu.

    Jubril was arraigned on a six-count charge of conspiracy, malicious damage and attempted murder.

    He was alleged to have destroyed a vehicle valued at N2.5million and attempted to kill some persons.

    Read Also: Unity Forum dissolves into Akeredolu’s campaign team

    Prosecutor Adeoye Adesegan told the court that Jubril and others at large allegedly committed the offence at Iju Igboroke, Owo.

    He said the offences were punishable under sections 332(1) 320(1) 451 and 516 of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Vol 1 laws of Ondo State 2006.

    The suspect’s plea was not taken. Adesegan urged the court to remand him pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

    Presiding Magistrate Olanipekun Mayomi remanded Jubril at the Nigeria Correctional Service custody and asked that the case file be sent to the DPP for advice.

    He adjourned the case till September 15.

  • ‘Why we are doing house-to-house campaign for Jegede’

    ‘Why we are doing house-to-house campaign for Jegede’

    By Osagie Otabor, Akure

    The Aiye Dera Independent Support Group, a body backing the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Eyitayo Jegede, has explained why it has adopted house-to-house campaign for the party’s standard-bearer.

    The organisation has trained over 400 volunteers that will help in the door-to-door campaign.

    The group’s Coordinator, Ayokanmi Edu, told reporters in Ondo town that the volunteers would take PDP message of hope to people in their homes.

    Edu, who hoped that the people would appreciate the new campaign approach, said the project would be experimented in Ondo West Local Government before taking it to other towns.

    Read Also: Jegede picks lawmaker as running mate

    He said: “We believe in the aspiration of Jegede. We have organised a structure of campaign with 466 volunteers from the local governments. They will move from house-to-house telling the people why they should vote for the PDP.

    “We have trained them in how to meet people and talk to them convincingly. We believe the people will appreciate this method.”

    A member of the team, Bode Obanla, said it was a scientific approach to political campaign.

    “We want to bring a new approach to campaigns. We will give them kits. Those trained will move from house-to-house. Jegede is the right person to lead the state,” he added.

  • INEC: we’re ready for peaceful poll

    INEC: we’re ready for peaceful poll

    By Osagie Otabor, Akure

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said on Tuesday that it was ready to conduct a free and fair election in Ondo State.

    It said the October 10 governorship poll would be devoid of malpractices.

    Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) Mr. Rufus Akeju, speaking at the opening ceremony of a three-day advocacy and voter education training for youths, cautioned them against being used for thuggery and violence before, during and after the election.

    Read Also: INEC: no plan to shift Edo polls

    He said the commission was focused on the poll with renewed vigour on voter education, adding that the election would be conducted in line with international best practices.

    Akeju said: “I assure you that INEC is determined to conduct a free, fair, credible, conclusive and acceptable election in line with international best practices.

    “The commission is working hard towards eradicating the ‘do or die’ attitude, vote buying menace as well as the high level of apathy associated with the electoral process.”

    The Executive Director, Pacesetter for Development of Rural Communities Initiative, Mr. Obatola Jonathan, said the programme was organised to train select youths, who would educate others on why they must participate peacefully in the coming election.